DISCOUNT STORE PLANS MAY OPENING IN STAFFORD

Shoppers who've been frustrated in the several years since the Big Wheel closed may be cheered to hear that a small discount store plans to open in town next month.

Family Dollar Stores intends to open at the Big Y plaza on Route 190 in May, a company spokesman said Thursday.

The Charlotte, N.C.-based chain sells general merchandise, apparel, shoes and a limited line of automotive products at more than 2,600 stores in 38 states.

The Stafford store is likely to be about 8,300 square feet and to operate as "a small neighborhood discount store," said C. Martin Sowers, corporate senior vice president.

"Our target customer is lower- middle-class consumers and people on fixed incomes, senior citizens," Sowers said. "So our merchandise mix is tailored to lower price points. We have basic-type apparel. Very few things in the store cost more than $18 or $20."

Selectman Bruce Dutton predicted the town will welcome a general merchandise store.

"We need one of those. We really loved the National where you could drop in and buy anything. When that closed and Big Wheel came, you could still pick up thread or a pot or something like that.

"But since Big Wheel closed, we haven't had a general wares type of store," Dutton said.

Family Dollar Stores was founded in Charlotte in 1959 by Leon Levine, who is still chairman and chief executive officer, Sowers said.

It operates stores from Maine to Florida and as far west as South Dakota and New Mexico. The company has stores in Bristol, New Britain and East Hartford, but Thursday evening Sowers couldn't specify how many others it operates in Connecticut.

First Selectman John Julian said Stafford will benefit from the new retail business.

"It helps our tax base and gives residents another place to shop," Julian said. "It's good to have a new business coming in."